Christmas 2007 for me will carry memories of sheep, horses, small kids, a one eyed ageing sheepdog called Glen, a lost cow and the company of a warm and hospitable family living the Kiwi farm life in the green valleys of Glen Murray, about an hour south of Auckland. I arrived at the farm on Christmas Eve greeted by head of the family Chris Venamore, dressed in working farm clothes with Glen the sheepdog at his heels. Before long I was unpacked and settled into the guest cottage (located in a corner of a paddock with 5 grazing horses) and found myself sat next to Glen on the quad bike as Chris took me on a tour of the farm to meet the sheep, cows and horses, but more specifically to try and locate a lost cow! A neighbour’s farm was playing host to some stray cattle non of which seem to belong to Chris, but mysteriously one of his heiffers was missing. In the few days I was at the farm, the cow never appeared. Christmas Eve dinner was at the home of Val and Shelly Venamore – Chris’s brother in their home nearby. As we left around 10pm, the full moon was hanging in a perfect sky surrounded by bright twinkling stars! Christmas morning for me was spent in the company of ‘Rupert’ – a bay gelding who took me on a ride through the woods next to the farm. I think he was glad to be out and was quite a handful! After dressing in the smartest clothes I could muster from my backpacking wardrobe, I joined the family in the car for a short trip to ‘Totra Nui’ (probably spelt it wrong!) the newly finished second residence which was the perfect setting for Christmas Day. Family members from Auckland arrived with their children to join those already there and I was treated to a hearty meal and some good conversation with the Venamore clan whilst the kiddies ran about full of beans from opening presents. It was a typical Christmas really! On Boxing Day Elizabeth joined me on horseback to ride around the bush covered valley near to the farm and help Chris to bring in some sheep ready for crutching and shearing, Glen doing his bit with enthusiasm from the back of the quad. It was a great ride in fabulous scenery and good company. After warm scones on the verandah of the homestead (thanks to the Venamore daughters!) I offered to help with some yard chores and spent a satisfying afternoon sweeping and tidying the yard and tackroom. By 9pm I was struggling to stay awake on the sofa watching ‘calendar girls’ with the family so made my excuses and took myself off to bed via the paddock which was now full of sheep! My last morning was spent exploring the woolshed and meeting the sheep – 2 of which were about to be dispatched to fil the freezer. Chris gave me a demonstration of shearing – on a dead sheepskin! and despite wanting to stay longer the hire car was due back at Auckland so with a sigh I hit the road and left the farm behind me bound for the city life.
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